What are the requirements for sports volunteering abroad?

Summary

  • The minimum age is 18, although some projects may have a higher minimum age.
  • Your sporting skills and knowledge, such as a coaching qualification, expertise or experience in sports management, must meet the requirements of the project.
  • Submit an extended police clearance certificate (no more than 3 months old).
  • You are motivated to help others and bring cultures together through sport.
  • You have a hands-on mentality and are open to other cultures and social contexts.
  • You are open to new and different social contexts.

Anyone over the age of 18 who is motivated to help others and connect cultures through sport is welcome to volunteer as a sports coach. However, your skills and experience should match the requirements of the projects you wish to join.

Each social sport project has specific requirements for volunteers, which can be found in the project profiles. For example, some projects are looking for a sports management coordinator to help with administrative and organisational tasks, while others are looking for a sports coach to not only train children and young people, but also to help train coaches and assistant coaches.

However, there are some mandatory quality and reliability standards that COACH ABROAD requires and expects. In general, you must be at least 18 years old and be able to provide an extended police certificate of no more than 3 months old.

Of course, your sporting skills and knowledge should also match the requirements of your chosen project. A hands-on mentality and a general openness and interest in other cultures and social contexts will not only be an advantage for the project, but will also allow you to work in a more relaxed and therefore more successful manner.

Find out more about the requirements and questions you should ask yourself before applying as a sports volunteer on our application page.

About your application

Are there any restrictions in choosing my project?

There are no general restrictions on the choice of projects, apart from sporting qualifications. Any requirements such as gender or minimum age are project-specific.

How does the application process work, how can I apply?

Choose your preferred project and complete the application form. Prepare for our online interview and then submit all required documents.

What happens if my application is not accepted?

There is no guarantee of placement, but refusals are rare. We offer alternatives if the project is full or the project specific requirements are not met.

When should I apply and is there an application deadline?

There is no fixed application deadline. However, we recommend applying at least 4 months before the start of the project due to visa applications, flight bookings or necessary vaccinations.

Why do I need an (extended) police clearance certificate?

An extended police clearance certificate (in English, not more than 3 months old) is required to ensure safety and trustworthiness when working with children and young people.